Berrigan waits for cap rise

Veteran Shaun Berrigan is in a contract stand-off with the Canberra Raiders and contemplating retirement as the club also faces an injury crisis with its hookers to start the NRL pre-season.

Berrigan was a notable absentee when the Raiders began pre-season training on Friday, and none of Canberra’s hookers were available to take part in fitness drills.

The Raiders were reluctant to discuss Berrigan’s situation and chief executive Don Furner would only confirm Berrigan had not yet accepted an option in his contract to play on in Canberra next year.

It’s understood Berrigan is holding out for an anticipated rise in the NRL salary cap for next year before deciding whether to continue in the NRL or retire and take up a career in the Queensland mines.

Berrigan remains at home in Queensland, but Canberra coach David Furner was confident he would rejoin the Raiders’ squad soon.